Crumbling graves, eroding ground and a danger to passers-by – that is the state of Rutherglen Cemetery, according to mourners.

The Reformer has been contacted by two women concerned at the state of the cemetery grounds.

Karen Watson’s son Craig and mother Betty are both buried in the cemetery.

She has compared visiting the cemetery to being like “a rollercoaster” due to cracks in the pavement and around the graves.

And she is worried there has been movement of the actual lairs.

She told the Reformer: “There’s big cracks in it at the footpath and at the graves.

“There is no warning alerting visitors about the state of it and the ground feels like it’s moving when you are there.

“It is a disgrace this is happening. It’s like a rollercoaster when you are walking along there.”

Karen’s friend Elaine Belchamber is also angry over the state of the cemetery.

She said: “ It’s hollow ground there. What are they buried with?

“It is beyond a joke. The ground is splitting in places.

“They should never have used there as a site. They could be disappearing one by one.”

Another concern is that the gravestones could topple over.

Elaine said: “Some of them have fallen over. Someone could be hit by them if they were there at the time.

“It isn’t being maintained enough and they are looking at a new patch there, which will disrupt the graves even more.”

Alistair McKinnon from South Lanarkshire Council said: “We are aware of cracking to some of the tar footpaths and have recently undertaken repairs, with further work to be carried out as and when required.

“The cracks around headstones would appear to be at the foundations and, having recently assessed all headstones in the cemetery, we have now contacted the lair owners where any movement was identified.

“Our bereavement services team is available to meet with any concerned lair owner to discuss issues or concerns.”